GCash's lending arm Fuse recognized at The Asset’s Triple A Digital Awards

Tweet

Fuse Lending, the credit arm of GCash, the Philippines' leading finance app and mobile wallet, was recognized for its innovative products at The Asset’s Triple A Digital Awards, recently held in Hong Kong. The awards are a recognition by Hong Kong-based financial journal The Asset of companies and institutions that have “excelled in innovation” and have developed a “unique digital experience for customers across the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.”

From left: GLoan head Kevin Yu, and Fuse Lending, Inc. president and CEO Tony Isidro

Fuse Lending received the Best Emerging Digital Technologies Award for GLoan Sakto, a nano-loan product providing Filipinos with easier access to credit, specifically targeting Filipinos who prioritize the daily needs of their families or need support in making ends meet until the next payday.

GLoan Sakto was launched in August 2023 as a fast and easy cash loan solution for Filipinos. GCash users can borrow amounts as low as Php100 up to Php500, with repayment periods of 14 or 30 days, zero interest, and a processing fee starting at Php6.50. The service allows users to access smaller amounts and shorter-term funding without applying for the loan. Users can also tap GLoan Sakto to purchase items from over 200,000 GCash partner merchants.

“We are honored to be recognized with a prestigious award, and this affirms our commitment to delivering financial inclusion for millions of Filipinos,” says Fuse CEO Tony Isidro. We are there for the various financial needs of Filipinos, whether big or small. We are able to do this by completely digitalizing the loan process, from application to disbursement and repayment. Ultimately, our mission is to make credit accessible to every Filipino."

GLoan Sakto is part of GCash's financial inclusion efforts. The company is expanding its loan services to all socioeconomic classes, especially sectors with less access to credit, such as women, farmers, and micro enterprises.

“Research has shown that historically, only 2% of Filipinos have had access to credit, leaving a massive portion of the population with unmet needs. Our products and solutions are helping address the needs of Filipinos, no matter how small they may be,” adds Isidro. “Usually, these borrowers are excluded in the loan services of traditional banks. However, through digitalization, anyone with a mobile phone can have access to credit through GCash. These solutions are responsive to the needs of millions of Filipinos and ultimately help them realize financial progress.”

GCash's loan services, powered by Fuse, include GLoan, GCredit, GGives, GSakto Loans, and Borrow Load. As of end-2023, Fuse has provided credit to more than four million GCash users, disbursing over Php118 billion worth of loans. 2 in 3 borrowers are from the C2DE socio-economic classes, half are women, and 2 in 3 are from young people. Meanwhile, two out of three borrowers come from outside the National Capital Region.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com

National Survey Finds 83% of Filipino Consumers Want Food Companies to Use Only Cage-Free Eggs

Tweet

A new national consumer survey carried out by leading APAC consumer research agency GMO Research has found that a large majority of Filipino consumers want food companies—including restaurants, retailers and packaged foods brands—to source their eggs from farms that use cage-free production methods. Tokyo-based GMO Research is one of the world’s ten largest consumer research agencies, with 55 million online consumer panelists across 16 APAC countries and markets. The survey, which randomly polled hundreds of respondents from across the Philippines, reflects the evolving attitudes of customers in seeking higher animal welfare and sustainability standards from the food brands they patronize.

The nationwide survey found that 83% of consumers believe eggs sourced by restaurants, supermarkets, packaged foods companies and similar should come only from hens living in cage-free environments. 80% said they were more inclined to patronize a food brand that sourced only cage-free eggs.

The survey also found a notable willingness to pay a price premium for the shift to cage-free eggs. 89% of respondents agreed with the statement that “The advantages of cage-free eggs in terms of food safety and quality are worth spending a little extra money on.” 76% of consumers were willing to pay 10-25% more for cage-free eggs in supermarkets, and 74% were willing to spend 5-10% more for a restaurant meal or packaged food product that used cage-free eggs.

Over the past several years an increasing number of major food brands in the Philippines, including Jollibee, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Ascott, MetroMart, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp and Robinsons Hotels & Resorts, among others, have committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs in the coming years in response to evolving customer values.

“These new survey findings underscore how important it is for food companies to prioritize animal welfare and other ethical sourcing practices in their operations,” said Robyn Del Rosario, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation, an NGO that supports companies in the Philippines and across Asia on sustainable sourcing. “As consumer awareness and demand for improvements like cage-free eggs continue to rise, businesses can seize the opportunity to enhance their brand reputation by aligning their sourcing standards with consumers’ expectations.”

Concern for animal welfare appears to play an important part in consumer attitudes on the issue. The survey found that 95% of consumers agreed with the statement “Hens that produce eggs should not be kept in cages; they should have the freedom to walk and move around.” 99% believed that food companies should source both eggs and meat from a supply chain that adheres to humane standards of animal treatment. Concern for animal welfare wasn’t the only motivating factor though, with 31% of respondents citing the safety of cage-free eggs as a valuable advantage.

Cage-free egg production, in which hens are given the freedom to move in open indoor environments, improves animal welfare and significantly lowers food safety risks compared to caged egg production. Exhaustive research by the European Food Safety

Authority found battery cage egg farms have up to 25 times higher rates of contamination by key salmonella strains compared to cage-free eggs, leading the EFSA to issue a recommendation for a complete ban on caged egg production across Europe. For individual consumers, the best way to protect egg-laying hens is by reducing or eliminating egg consumption.

-----------------------------------------------------

ABOUT LEVER FOUNDATION

Lever Foundation is a global NGO with staff operating across Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America. Lever Foundation works with leading companies in the Philippines to help them upgrade their protein sourcing for a more humane, safe and sustainable supply chain, with a focus on upgraded animal protein and alternative protein.

Step into Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Experience in Glorietta!

Tweet

 

Award-winning global popstar Dua Lipa has finally released her third album Radical Optimism, and it’s been getting critical acclaim ever since. Now, Filipino fans can enjoy the album on a whole new level this coming weekend with an interactive Radical Optimism Pop-Up happening at the Glorietta Activity Center.

 

A Dance-inducing Masterpiece

Radical Optimism makes it known early on just what type of album it is with the addicting “End Of An Era,” high-energy “Training Season,” and euphoric, club-ready “Houdini.” With this album, fans get eleven songs that can bring out anyone’s urge to groove and get lost in the music.

 

Dua herself describes Radical Optimism as “psychedelic pop,” noting that “there are musical breaks and a mix of different sounds, and when you listen to it with your eyes closed, it opens up a very visual world.”

 

The album was inspired by Dua’s own self-discovery and speaks to the pure joy and happiness of having clarity in situations that once seemed impossible to face. It’s a musical representation of how hard goodbyes and vulnerable beginnings can become milestones once you choose to see the brighter side of things. “It struck me – the idea of going through chaos gracefully and feeling like you can weather any storm,” she shared.

 

Rolling Stone has called this album “pop bliss,” while highlighting how it’s “uniquely and

utterly Dua Lipa: confident dance pop full of witty Instagram-caption-ready one-liners.”

 

Dua also recently returned to Saturday Night Live, where she was both the host and the musical guest for the night. She gave an electrifying version of “Illusion,” followed by a passionate performance of “Happy For You.”

 

 

An Experiential Pop-Up

Can’t get enough of the album? Experience it like never before with this week’s Radical Optimism event. This unique and immersive pop-up is set to bring all of Dua’s songs to life – to the point where dancing is the only option! Fans can go and see it for themselves when they visit the Glorietta Activity Center from May 17 to 19, anytime between 10 AM and 9 PM. They’ll be treated to themed photobooths, personalized memorabilia, and more!

 

Exciting things are happening for Dua, as she recently announced the first run of tour dates in support of Radical Optimism with shows in Berlin, Pula, and Nimes taking place in June. In addition, Dua will make her Pyramid Stage debut as the Friday night headliner at this year’s Glastonbury Festival on June 28th.

 

This pop powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down, and everyone’s excited to see even more performances and visuals for her new songs in the coming weeks.

 

 

Listen to Radical Optimism here!

Discover Why These OPPO Smartphones Pack a Punch for its Price

Tweet

Head to an OPPO store near you and avail the OPPO A18 on price drop, for as low as PHP 3,999 until May 19, 2024 or check out the other A Series devices below Php 10,000

OPPO has offered a wide array of products that have catered to the needs of consumers with varying lifestyles and budgets. In particular, the OPPO A Series has delivered smartphones that are made to last, offering unparalleled durability and reliability.  For those looking for solid, all-around options under Php 10,000, check out the OPPO A18, OPPO A38, and OPPO A58! With modern technology, sleek design, and OPPO’ signature quality, these budget-friendly smartphones tick all the boxes for practical, everyday use.

Here are the three reasons why the OPPO A Series should be your next device:

Capture every moment with the enhanced camera system

With advanced camera systems, the OPPO A18, A38, and A58 empower users to capture every moment in stunning detail. From crystal-clear images to vibrant videos, these devices empower users to seize every memory with clarity and allow creativity to flow freely through its lens.

Take advantage of the Portrait Mode of OPPO A18 which helps you to take your photography or selfie skills to a new level. The 8MP main camera and 2MP bokeh camera collaborate seamlessly, capturing images and providing subtle, layered bokeh effects.

The versatile camera system of OPPO A38 and 48MP Al main camera allows you to take clear, natural  and stunning photos in various scenarios. Both front and rear cameras of OPPO A38 also support the portrait retouching feature that allow users to  customize the beautification level of the photos.

Aside from the 50MP Main AI Camera, a 2MP Portrait Camera, and an 8MP Selfie Camera feature, the OPPO A58 has an AI Portrait Retouching feature that applies real-time, delicate retouching effects.The AI Dermabrasion function intelligently erases flaws such as sunspots, acne scars, and pimples to expose your natural beauty.

Experience amazing performance with stunning visual experience

Immerse yourself in vibrant visuals with the stunning displays of the OPPO Low A Series devices. Whether you're streaming content, browsing photos, or playing games, these smartphones deliver crisp and vivid imagery that enhances your viewing experience. And with the dual stereo speakers and a vibrant HD display you can watch your favorite movies and appreciate every visual in vivid colors and sharp contrast anywhere and everywhere you want.

Experience sounds like never before with the OPPO A18's ultra volume mode. This feature boosts the volume to new heights, delivering crystal-clear audio. The device also boasts a 6.56” display that brings your content to life with vibrant colors and sharp details. On the other hand, the OPPO A38 has a captivating 6.5-inch 90Hz Sunlight Display1 with an 89.8% screen-to-body ratio that brings your content to life with vibrant colors. It is also equipped with ultra volume mode to deliver incredible audio.

With its captivating design and advanced features, the OPPO A58 is also equipped with dual stereo speakers and a vibrant 5.5-inch HD display.

A Long-lasting Battery Life for long hours of use

Never worry about hunting for a charger again, thanks to the enduring battery life of the OPPO A18, A38, and A58. The devices are all equipped with a 500mAh large battery that can be charged in short periods of time. With their optimized power management, these smartphones ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout your day, allowing you to stay focused on your priorities without any interruptions.

 OPPO A38

                                                                            

OPPO A58

Avail an OPPO A Series smartphone today!

The OPPO A18 is giving users affordability and yet a powerful option for budget-conscious individuals with a special PHP 500 discount! Get the A18 4+128GB for PHP 4,999 from its original price of PHP 5499, and the OPPO A184+64GB for PHP 3,999 from PHP 4,399. Enjoy these amazing discounts from May 13 to May 19 only.

The OPPO A38 is priced at PHP 7,999, offering an excellent choice for those seeking advanced features without emptying your wallet. Lastly, the OPPO A58 comes with a price point of PHP 9,999, giving users affordability and performance.

You can visit and purchase the devices at any OPPO stores nationwide and through the official OPPO online platforms: Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

For latest updates and details, check out https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

 

You Won't Believe How Fast and Smooth the OnePlus 12R is!

Tweet

In today's fast-paced world, consumers seek highly-capable devices that seamlessly integrate into their lifestyles and effortlessly handle their daily tasks.

------------------------------------------------------------

Experience flagship-level technology with OnePlus’ newest device that promises performance that is “Smooth Beyond Belief”

------------------------------------------------------------

Introducing the OnePlus 12R, the latest smartphone to give you the flagship-level experience you’re looking for while looking sleek, modern, and elegant. It combines everything great about OnePlus, and could be your next daily driver.

The OnePlus 12R has you covered. You won’t believe how “Smooth Beyond Belief” the OnePlus 12R is, as it is meticulously engineered to deliver best in class hardware and optimized software that proves why it’s a worthy upgrade from its predecessors.

Extreme Fast and Smooth Technology

The OnePlus 12R boasts a cutting-edge fourth-generation LTPO 120Hz ProXDR display, setting a new standard for screen brightness and color levels. With improved responsiveness and an intelligent dynamic refresh rate system, the OnePlus 12R switches between 1Hz and 120Hz refresh rates quicker and smarter than ever, saving battery life and ensuring a smoother overall experience.

It also features the largest battery in OnePlus history – at a massive 5,500mAh capacity. Paired with lightning-fast 100W SUPERVOOC™ charging, the OnePlus 12R can charge from 1-100% in just 26 minutes, providing extended usage without compromising on size or weight.

Optimized Device Performance with the Trinity Engine

At the core of the OnePlus 12R lies the Trinity Engine, which is an innovative, proprietary platform engineered by OnePlus to redefine smartphone performance. Designed to unlock the full potential of your device, Trinity Engine delivers an unparalleled experience in heavy-duty tasking, multi-tasking, and long-term usage scenarios. With Trinity Engine at the helm, every action on your OnePlus 12R becomes smoother and more seamless than ever before.

CPU-Vitalization ensures a perfect synergy between hardware and software, delivering exceptional performance with extended battery life. Say goodbye to the trade-off between power and efficiency—CPU-Vitalization keeps your OnePlus 12R running smoothly for up to 30 minutes longer, even under heavy-duty tasking scenarios.

RAM-Vitalization of OnePlus 12R takes memory performance to the next level. This in-house memory performance accelerator optimizes AI RAM allocation, ensuring that your OnePlus 12R's 16GB LPDDR5X RAM operates at peak efficiency. From gaming to video editing, RAM-Vitalization guarantees faster and smoother interaction, allowing you to multitask with ease.

Lastly, the ROM-Vitalization is your OnePlus 12R's defense against performance degradation over time. By employing advanced I/O vitalization technology and efficient compression algorithms, ROM-Vitalization prevents storage slowdowns, keeping your device running smoothly even after years of use. With ROM-Vitalization, your OnePlus 12R remains as responsive as a brand-new phone.

Impressive Camera System

The OnePlus 12R’s main camera is equipped with the Sony IMX890, a 50-megapixel flagship sensor renowned for its consistency and image quality. Enhanced with advanced software optimizations, this sensor ensures every shot you take is bursting with vibrancy and clarity. It also has Optical Image Stabilization and lightning-fast processing speeds, which won’t dampen the brilliance of your photos even in low-light environments.

Meanwhile, the front camera of OnePlus 12R is a 16 megapixel front-facing camera that takes vibrancy shots ideal for video calls and super selfies.

OnePlus Seamless User Experience

Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 2 chipset, the OnePlus 12R offers up to 35% better CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor, ensuring seamless performance for even the most demanding tasks. With storage configurations offering up to 16GB RAM and 256GB, users can run and store more than 40 apps, photos, videos, and more on the device.

Despite its powerful software, the OnePlus 12R remains cool under pressure thanks to its Cryo-Velocity cooling system, which ensures smooth and continuous functionality without compromising temperature or battery life.

It is also equipped with an improved screen that's brighter, has more color levels, and is more responsive. It boasts Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance, making it capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use.

The OnePlus 12R is now available in the Philippines for PHP 43,990 and comes in two colorways - Cool Blue and Iron Grey.

For more information on the OnePlus 12R, its features, and availability, visit OnePlus Philippines’ official website or OnePlus Philippines’ official Facebook page.